Multiple Alleged Shoplifting Incidents at Local Stores in Bloomfield

There were several arrests in connection with alleged shoplifting incidents in Bloomfield recently, all of which occurred at local stores.

The first shoplifting incident occurred at a local Stop & Shop just prior to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20th. The defendant, 20-year-old Bellemeade resident Christine Lukasiewicz, was arrested after allegedly placing Tide pods into her bag and attempting to flee the premises without paying. Lukasiewicz was arrested and charged with shoplifting and was released on her own recognizance pending her first court appearance.

The second shoplifting incident occurred at the Rite Aid store located on Bloomfield Avenue. The defendant, 35-year-old Newark resident Clarence Miller, was arrested at approximately 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21st, after allegedly placing Dove bars of soap into his pants. Miller was arrested and charged with shoplifting. During a subsequent investigation at police headquarters, officers discovered outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Bloomfield, Newark, and North Arlington. Miller was held on $1,000 bail with no 10 percent option.

The third shoplifting incident occurred at the Home Depot in Bloomfield at approximately 7:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 26th. The defendant, 52-year-old Irvington resident James McClean, was arrested on charges for shoplifting after allegedly taking a battery out of a Makita power drill box.

All of the aforementioned cases will likely be adjudicated at the Bloomfield Municipal Court, due to the relatively low monetary value of the allegedly stolen property in each case. In New Jersey, shoplifting offenses vary in terms of the seriousness of the charges and the severity of the penalties imposed upon those convicted. Under section N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, shoplifting is classified as a disorderly persons offense if the estimated monetary value of the stolen property is less than $200.

If any of the above defendants is convicted of a disorderly persons shoplifting offense, he or she may be sentenced to serve up to 6 months in the county jail, as well as a maximum fine of $1,000. The conviction will also appear on his or her criminal record. Notably, shoplifting convictions may have negative consequences for the immigration status of non-citizens.